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The Churchill County School District has announced the addition of four new administrators for the 2025-26 school year.
According to the school district, these educational leaders bring a wealth of experience, a passion for student success and a strong commitment to serving our schools and community. While some are familiar faces transitioning into new roles within the district, others are new to the school district and bring fresh perspectives to our leadership team.
• Shannon Urquhart, coordinator of Student Services, was born in Fallon and graduated from Churchill County High School in 1998. She attended the University of Nevada, Reno and earned a dual Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Special Education with a minor in Addictions Counseling and Prevention.
After graduation, Urquhart moved out of state to begin her teaching career where she discovered a passion for working with students on the autism spectrum. This passion led her to further her education and become an autism specialist.
In 2015, Urquhart earned her Master of Education in Educational Administration and returned to Nevada. During the past decade, she has worked closely with administrators, teachers, instructional aides, parents and students in public schools by providing leadership and support in special education.
Urquhart’s professional expertise has been shared on national and international stages and presented at conferences for the Autism Society of America, Council for Exceptional Children, Council of Administrators of Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis International and the European Autism Congress in locations across the United States, Budapest and Stockholm.
Committed to supporting educators across all settings, Urquhart has also traveled to rural districts in Nevada to deliver professional development — especially vital as educational resources continue to decline in some areas. Her extensive experience in both large and small school districts is a valuable asset she now brings to the Churchill County School District.
Outside of her professional life, Urquhart enjoys spending time on the back deck of her home in Fallon, riding horses while training for Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association events, and enjoying hunting, fishing and farming. She actively supports her nieces and nephews in a wide range of activities, including baseball, trap shooting, soccer, 4-H and aviation.
Urquhart said she finds joy in volunteering. She has worked with Autism on the Seas (AotS), connecting with families living with disabilities in nonschool environments. Before returning to Nevada, she served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), adjunct professor and Interscholastic Horse Show Association (IHSA) coach, and she led the implementation of the Project Lifesaver International program in Wheeling, West Virginia.
“I am excited to join Churchill County School District,” Urquhart said. “With deep roots in the community and a genuine dedication to student success, I look forward to partnering with staff and families to support and strengthen the educational experience for all.”
• Tricia Strasdin is the new dean of students at Churchill County High School. As a former Churchill County School Board trustee for eight years, Strasdin gained invaluable insights into both governance and the classroom. While serving on the board, she began her teaching career in Fernley, an experience she said helped her bridge the gap between policy and practice. She believes being a board member made her a better educator, and vice versa.
Strasdin’s approach to leadership is rooted in service. She said her new role serves as an opportunity to connect with the incredible students and CCHS staff and to help expand a school culture in which every student feels known, valued, and supported. As dean of students, Strasdin said she’s looking forward to making connections with the student body and staff and being able to impact a larger school community.
“I have watched as the culture of the high school has blossomed, and I’m excited to be a part of it,” Strasdin said.
One goal she has is to help expand an environment where every student knows that the staff who work at CCHS are eager to help support them in any way possible.
“Students often have many needs and multiple concerns, and although families should remain the primary source of support, schools can play a significant role in students’ lives by addressing needs necessary for the whole child to be successful,” Strasdin said.
Outside of her professional life, Strasdin said she enjoys spending time with her large extended family, many of whom live in Fallon. She also looks forward to welcoming her first grandchild in August. Her passions include camping, going to Disneyland, reading historical fiction and celebrating the uniqueness of the Fallon community.
Strasdin said she honored to serve as the dean and is eager to contribute to the continued growth and excellence at Churchill County High School.
• Heather Alves joins the administrative team at Churchill County Middle School as vice principal by bringing with her many years of educational experience and a passion for supporting students and staff.
With a background in elementary education, Alves has consistently focused on fostering academic growth, building strong relationships with families and contributing to school-wide success.
Raised in California, Alves earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and later completed her teaching credentials. She most recently earned a master’s degree in educational leadership, reflecting her ongoing commitment to professional growth and school leadership.
Alves began her teaching career in Gustine, California, before relocating to Fallon with her husband, who pursued an opportunity to start a dairy farm. After the move, she taught in the Lyon County School District for several years and worked across multiple grade levels. When her children reached the high school grades, she transitioned to the Churchill County School District where she has been a second-grade teacher at E.C. Best Elementary School.
Alves said she’s excited to bring her energy, experience and student-centered leadership to CCMS.
“I am passionate about fostering a positive, inclusive school culture and am dedicated to supporting students, staff, and families in achieving their goals,” Alves said. “I look forward to being a positive asset to the school and district community.”
Outside of her professional achievements, Alves enjoys spending time with family and friends, taking road trips and staying active. Alves said she’s excited to begin this new chapter and is committed to making a lasting impact through collaborative and student-focused leadership.
• Trent Vass is the new vice principal at Churchill County Middle School. A native of Lompoc, California, on the central coast, Vass’s early love for academics and athletics led him to play college baseball in both Arizona and North Carolina. His strong sense of service then inspired him to join the U.S. Army where he served in the 82nd Airborne Division's 5th Squadron (recon), 73rd Cavalry Regiment.
After completing his military service, Vass returned to school and earned his bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Nevada, Reno. He later earned two master’s degrees by expanding his knowledge and skills to better serve students and school communities.
Vass began his teaching career at Hug High School in Reno, where he worked with students with severe emotional and behavioral disorders. That experience laid the foundation for his passion for supporting diverse learners and promoting inclusive education. He later joined Sierra Nevada Academy Charter School and taught social studies before stepping into leadership as dean of students and director of Special Education. Most recently, he served as dean of students at Pine Middle School in Reno.
Vass brings strong leadership experience, a calm, student-centered approach and a deep respect for student growth.
“I was drawn to the Churchill County School District because of its reputation as a close-knit community, and I'm eager to contribute to that supportive environment,” Vass said. He said he looks forward to building positive relationships with students, families and staff.
Outside of education, Vass enjoys spending time outdoors and can often be found practicing shooting, playing sports or golfing. He said he’s eager to become an active part of the Churchill County community and is looking forward to the year ahead.
“We are thrilled to welcome these talented leaders to our administrative team,” Superintendent Derild Parsons said. “Each of them brings unique strengths, dedication, and a shared commitment to supporting our students, staff and families. I am confident that they will make a positive and lasting impact not only in our schools but also in our community.”
Provided by Kaitlin Ritchie, public information officer with the Churchill County School District.